Upgrading synscan handcontrol

[AstroLuke]

Tonight i tried to upgrade my synscan handcontrol's firmware, which i got from the heq5 mount i bought second hand earlier 2 weeks ago. I followed the online instructions from skywatcher and got to the conclusion im unable to update my handcontrol because the firmware is version 2.0x. When it had to be version 3+

In a desperate need for a soulution i have come to ask, if im in any possible way am able to upgrade eventhough the firmware is V.2

Thanks

[brantuk]

Hi Luke - my sysncan manual states that the handset is flash upgradeable by the user from version 3.0 and upwards only. So if you're on a lower version I'm sorry to say it could be bad news. Maybe some clever electronics person has found a workaround, but I hope you didn't pay too much for it.

[Cornelius Varley]

The only way to upgrade a V2 handset is to buy a V3 handset.

Peter

[Merlin66]

Yes, that's correct. Mimimum of V3 required for upgrades.

Having said that the V2 is 100% OK for 99% of the needs.....

[Telrad]

The only way to upgrade a V2 handset is to buy a V3 handset.

Peter

Agree.

[AstroLuke]

Great the mount is like 830£. And still i need to buy a new handcontrol for almost 200£. It seems like i keep having to use masive amounts of money just to get startet

[Cornelius Varley]

Why do you need to replace the handset ? As Merlin66 said the V2 handset is 100% usable.

Peter

[AstroLuke]

Else i cant find out when polaris is in transit at my location V3 Handset tells you this

[inksmithy]

http://stargazerslounge.com/equipment-help/100501-calculating-polaris-transit.html

[Merlin66]

You certainly don't need the handcontroller just for that!

Try it - you'll love it

[AstroLuke]

Okay thats good. Any idea on what else the difference is between V 2 and V 3?

Anyway tryed out the calculator. I just have 1 questien, do i use the Transit alt. time or the lower alt transit time?

[Merlin66]

Version V2 has a smaller database and doesn't allow the control of the polar scope illumination - not sure about the rest - you could check out the Skywatcher website for more details.

[Psychobilly]

Why not use soemthing like the polar finder apps available for PC , Android and (cr)Apple smartphones... will show you what you should be seeing through the polarscope...

PC- http://myastroimages.com/Polar_FinderScope_by_Jason_Dale/

Android - https://market.android.com/details?id=it.granchio.polarfinder

Iphone/Ipad - http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/polaralign/id372966709?mt=8

[pwalsh61]

Psychobilly beat me to it

I use Polar Finder on PC and polarfinder Android app on phone (which is very handy as it displays the last transit time as well as where polaris should be on the polarscope circle.